The group made their way directly to Elder Chun’s courtyard. Elder Chun was already practicing Tai Chi. Seeing the three of them enter, he showed no surprise. In this small village, where only a few families lived, news of Yan Aohan’s arrival had spread quickly. Everyone knew.
“Ani, do your warm-up exercises,” Elder Chun said seriously. “Then, review the basics and the boxing moves I taught you yesterday.”
Zhu Yanyi nodded. Elder Chun was a grandmaster of martial arts. In fact, the military boxing used by the army today was largely adapted under her guidance. She knew many styles. Zhu Yanyi could already perform Tai Chi and was now learning Baguazhang. Yan Aohan, however, could only do Tai Chi due to her physical limitations. Zhang Haifeng, being healthy, could practice whatever she wanted.
After finishing her basic warm-ups, Zhu Yanyi began her Tai Chi routine. Once that was done, she moved on to practicing the Baguazhang she had just learned. Nearby, Zhang Haifeng practiced some military boxing for a while. Watching Zhu Yanyi, sweat beaded on her forehead.
“Boss, isn’t that girl only six years old?” he asked.
“Yes, she is six,” Yan Aohan replied, moving slowly through his Tai Chi forms. For someone who loved movement, being forced to stay still was torture. So, Yan Aohan was happy he could at least practice Tai Chi. Although he didn’t particularly like the slow, deliberate movements, it didn’t stop him from enjoying the practice.
“But look at her,” Zhang Haifeng continued. “She’s already practicing Baguazhang, and she looks quite proficient. Isn’t she mocking me for being useless?”
“Since when did your heart become so fragile?” Yan Aohan delivered a sharp remark. “Aren’t you usually thick-skinned? What, does seeing a six-year-old girl’s talent make you feel ashamed?”
Zhang Haifeng glared at Yan Aohan. “I just think it’s a bit cruel to make a six-year-old girl live like this. It’s like sacrificing her childhood.”
“If you think it’s cruel, you can ask her directly,” Yan Aohan said, finishing his Tai Chi stance. He picked up a nearby towel and wiped the sweat from his face. “Sometimes what you find tiring, she finds joyful.” Seeing Zhang Haifeng’s expression of disagreement, he smiled. “If you don’t believe me, you can ask her later.”
So, during breakfast, Zhang Haifeng asked the question.
Zhu Yanyi blinked her eyes. “It is tiring, but I am very happy. My life is full. Little Zhang, you should learn from me. Don’t just do nothing every day.”
“Do nothing?” Zhang Haifeng felt terribly wronged. He was busy every day. Even while taking care of Yan Aohan here, he had very little free time. He looked at Yan Aohan, hoping he would speak up to clear his name.
Yan Aohan looked at the sky, then at the ground, but avoided looking at Zhang Haifeng. He sipped his soy milk and bit into a vegetable bun. This life wasn’t bad. “Your vegetable buns are really delicious.”
Zhu Yanyi glanced at Yan Aohan. “Of course. My Wise Grandpa made these vegetarian buns specially for me.”
“Wise Master?” Yan Aohan asked. He understood immediately. If he had such a delightful disciple, he would probably bring her everything she wanted too.
Zhu Yanyi nodded. “Wise Grandpa knows I am young and that many things require thinking. But eating meat every day is not good for the body. So, she arranged vegetarian meals for me. Her vegetarian food is really delicious.”